Introduction
The Autódromo Hermanos RodrÃguez, renowned for its high altitude and challenging Peraltada curve, set the stage for an intense battle among the top drivers of the era. The 1988 season had been competitive, with McLaren-Honda emerging as a formidable force. The Mexican Grand Prix was anticipated to be a critical race in the championship, especially given the unique challenges posed by the circuit’s altitude, which affected car performance and driver endurance.
Starting Grid
The qualifying sessions highlighted the prowess of turbocharged engines, particularly in high-altitude conditions where naturally aspirated engines suffered power losses. Ayrton Senna secured his 20th career pole position, continuing his perfect streak of poles in the 1988 season. His lap time was notably faster than the previous year’s pole, despite stricter turbo boost regulations. Alain Prost completed the front row, setting the stage for a McLaren-dominated race.
- Ayrton Senna (McLaren-Honda) – 1:17.468
- Alain Prost (McLaren-Honda) – 1:18.097
- Gerhard Berger (Ferrari) – 1:18.120
- Nelson Piquet (Lotus-Honda) – 1:18.946
- Michele Alboreto (Ferrari) – 1:19.626
- Satoru Nakajima (Lotus-Honda) – 1:20.275
- Eddie Cheever (Arrows-Megatron) – 1:20.475
- Alessandro Nannini (Benetton-Ford) – 1:20.740
- Derek Warwick (Arrows-Megatron) – 1:20.775
- Ivan Capelli (March-Judd) – 1:21.952
Race Highlights
The race commenced with an aborted start due to Alessandro Nannini’s stalled Benetton. Upon the successful restart, Alain Prost exhibited exceptional skill, overtaking Senna and seizing the lead. Senna encountered issues with his car’s turbo pressure, hindering his acceleration and allowing Prost to capitalize.
As the race progressed, Prost maintained a consistent lead, demonstrating the reliability and speed of the McLaren-Honda. Senna managed to hold onto second place, while Gerhard Berger in the Ferrari secured third, unable to challenge the McLarens but comfortably ahead of the rest of the field.
Notably, the high altitude of Mexico City, approximately 2,240 meters above sea level, played a significant role in the race dynamics. The thinner air reduced aerodynamic drag but also decreased engine power, particularly affecting naturally aspirated engines. Turbocharged engines, like those in the McLarens and Ferraris, adapted better to these conditions, contributing to their dominance in the race.
Final Standings
The race concluded with a commanding performance by McLaren-Honda, securing a 1-2 finish. Alain Prost crossed the finish line first, followed by Ayrton Senna and Gerhard Berger.
- Alain Prost (McLaren-Honda) – 1:30:15.737
- Ayrton Senna (McLaren-Honda) – +7.104 seconds
- Gerhard Berger (Ferrari) – +57.314 seconds
- Michele Alboreto (Ferrari) – 66 laps (1 lap behind)
- Derek Warwick (Arrows-Megatron) – 66 laps (1 lap behind)
- Eddie Cheever (Arrows-Megatron) – 66 laps (1 lap behind)
Drivers’ Championship Standings Post-Race
Following the Mexican Grand Prix, the Drivers’ Championship standings were as follows:
- Alain Prost – 33 points
- Gerhard Berger – 18 points
- Ayrton Senna – 15 points
- Michele Alboreto – 9 points
- Nelson Piquet – 8 points
- Derek Warwick – 8 points
Conclusion and Curiosities
The 1988 Mexican Grand Prix underscored McLaren-Honda’s dominance in the season, with Prost and Senna showcasing exceptional driving skills. The race also highlighted the challenges posed by high-altitude circuits, influencing car performance and race strategies.
A notable incident during the weekend was Philippe Alliot’s dramatic crash during qualifying. Exiting the Peraltada curve, Alliot lost control of his Lola, resulting in a high-speed accident that saw the car disintegrate upon impact. Remarkably, Alliot emerged unscathed and was cleared to race, demonstrating the resilience and safety measures of Formula One cars.
Additionally, the race marked the debut of German driver Bernd Schneider, who qualified 15th in his first Grand Prix start driving for Zakspeed. This event also saw the Tyrrell team fail to qualify for a race for the first time in their history, signaling the increasing competitiveness of the 1988 season.
The Mexican Grand Prix of 1988 remains a significant chapter in Formula One history, reflecting the technological advancements and competitive spirit of the era.